Embattled California Rep. Duncan Hunter is trying to set up a legal expense fund as he faces a federal criminal investigation for misuse of campaign dollars.

The legal defense fund would allow people to contribute more than the limits set for campaign contributions, the San Diego-Union Tribune reported.

Last quarter, Hunter finally raised more campaign cash than he had spent in legal fees after having to fork over much of his money to attorneys.

Hunter submitted his filing to the Legislative Resource Center and the money would be handled by an independent trustee.

The stamp showed Hunter’s team “hand delivered” the filing on March 27, but the document indicated Hunter signed it on June 8 of last year.

The House Ethics Committee does not appear to have ruled on the application to set up a legal defense fund, which has only been granted to a handful of members.

Hunter’s chief of staff Michael Harrison did not respond to questions from the newspaper.

Hunter has been under federal criminal investigation since last year for using campaign cash to pay for private expenses like private school tuition, video games and oral surgery. His office said he has repaid much of those expenses.

Hunter faces a challenge from two Republican candidates, three Democrats and an independent in a district that Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates Likely Republican.

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